Dr Shrinath P Shetty
Thyroid gland is an endocrine gland, which can be easily visible in the neck and felt when slightly enlarged. It is responsible for producing 2 hormones T4 and T3 which regulate our body metabolism.
Hyperthyroidism is a disease state where there is an overproduction of these hormones leading to various problems; similarly, hypothyroidism is characterized by underproduction of these hormones. Many of the times, these problems are detected during routine checkups or when patients present with signs of underlying disease. However, many times the patient may not be aware of high conditions and may end up having prolonged suffering due to the same.
The signs and symptoms, which a patient can present, can be broadly divided into hyperthyroid symptoms and hypothyroid symptoms.
Hypothyroid Symptoms
- Laziness and lethargy
- Unexplained weight gain and muscle weakness
- Dry skin and hair fall
- Constipation
- Muscle pains
- Goitre
Women with hypothyroidism can also experience menstrual abnormalities such as increased menstrual bleeding, irregular periods, inability to conceive .Sometimes; hypothyroidism can lead to unexplained high cholesterol levels and blood pressure symptoms.
Hyperthyroid Signs and Symptoms are as follows
- Anxiety and tremors
- Unexplained weight loss
- Racing and pacing of heart (palpitation)
- Increased hunger
- Diarrhoea
- Goitre
- Hairfall
- High sugars
- Eye problems
Women can also present with irregular cycles and inabiliity to conceive. Eye problems such as redness, burning eye sensation and protrusion of eye are unique to hyperthyroidism.
Besides these symptoms, patients can present with thyroid enlargement (goitre). The following symptoms should not be ignored in case of a goitre
- Rapid increase in size of goitre
- Change in voice
- Difficulty in swallowing or breathing
- Sudden pain
If a person has any of the above signs and symptoms, he/she should not ignore it; and should immediately consult his doctor for further evaluation and management. Remember the famous saying “Stitch in time, saves nine”.
(Dr Shrinath P Shetty, Consultant Endocrinologist, KMC Hospital, Mangaluru)